To the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen:

During a recent regular meeting of the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen, one of the members asked a resident from Davis Island, "Why are you here?" When it was pointed out a selectmen's meeting is open to the public, the member agreed, but countered with, "But what are you here for?"

We thought that question deserved an answer.

The fact is, several residents of Davis Island have been attending regular and special meetings of the board of selectmen and planning board for several months now – ever since the development of the Sheepscot Harbor Village & Resort began.

The fact is, several residents of Davis Island have been attending regular and special meetings of the board of selectmen and planning board for several months now – ever since the development of the Sheepscot Harbor Village & Resort began.

Naturally, the idea that density could increase to 1/4-acre zoning outside the Gateway District, Commercial District or Thoroughfare District was a shock to all of us – and almost all residents of the town.

Fortunately, the town will be able to right that mistake on September 20 at the Special Town Meeting that 241 concerned residents of Edgecomb petitioned the selectmen to call several months ago.

At the same time, our attendance at these public meetings has allowed a dialogue to being with developer Roger Bintliff that would not have been possible any other way. Mr. Bintliff had little to do with us until we started to go to public meetings and make known our concerns.

This effort has resulted in negotiations taking place between Mr. Bintliff and some residents of Davis Island. While negotiations have begun to bear fruit, they are ongoing.

At the present time we are most concerned about the clear-cutting that Mr. Bintliff does in his development (he strips the area clear of trees before starting to rebuild). While that may be the most cost-effective way for him, we believe – and it was pointed out at a recent planning board meeting – that it is most likely in violation of Edgecomb town ordinances.

That is of concern to us.

As is the covenant Mr. Bintliff has indicated he will put in place for a buffer zone of trees, wetlands and vegetation between his proposed new development and our neighborhood.

The town needs more assurances than he offered at the most recent planning board meeting. Without the proper wording (the covenant should state the buffer zone will be kept in a "forever wild status"), the covenant is meaningless and relies only on Mr. Bintliff's intentions. Under his proposed covenant, he is the holder and enforcer of the covenant and can do anything he wants to that buffer zone in the future.

That is of concern to us.

The town must be concerned for the future of the water supply on Davis Island. Residents of Davis Island get their water from wells that could be affected by digging, blasting and further development of the area.

We believe the town must instruct Mr. Bintliff to hire a hydrologist to test Davis Island wells prior to any development of the so-called James Hall land in order to get a baseline for each well. In protecting all of us as residents of Edgecomb, the town must make Mr. Bintliff aware he will be held responsible for any change in the flow or quality of water in the wells for a time to be determined during or after any development.

That is of concern to us.

While those are specific interests concerning Davis Island, our reasons for attending town meetings go well beyond those.

The planning board is becoming more and more overwhelmed with development requests – while at the same time its members are trying to fill all the holes and tie up the loose ends in our poorly worded town ordinances.

We note that members are complaining they find it difficult to balance the time it takes to do all the work necessary while attending the numerous meetings that must be held for each project.

We believe time-constraints and the pressure from developers leads to a lack of time for proper research and too-quick decisions that, unfortunately, have a long-lasting impact on the town.

That is of concern to us.

We believe the town leaders we elect and those that are appointed should represent all residents of Edgecomb – not any one group, person or interest.

Unfortunately, during the past several months, a perception has arisen in Edgecomb that all residents are not being fairly and equally represented. There is a feeling among many residents that some people get special attention and more favorable treatment.

The perception is that private meetings or telephone conversations are held and some decisions are being made at that time and the work of the town is not being held in public.

That is of concern to us.

So, when someone asks, "Why are you here?" it is for all those reasons and more.

As residents of Edgecomb – and not simply of Davis Island – we have a right to know what is going on in our town. We have the expectation that we will see our government in action at these public meetings.

We expect dialogue and discussion on issues to take place right in front of us – not behind the scenes.

And we believe it is our responsibility to be there. That to do nothing and to not be in attendance would be irresponsible of us.

Remember, we are a government ‘of, by and for the people.'

We are the ‘people' – we are trying to do our part in being part of our government.

That is why we are ‘here.'

signed by Bobbie Carleton, Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson, Corning Townsend, Stott Carleton, John A. Johnson, Tita Townsend

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Selectmen's note: The "town ordinance 4.8" referred to above is properly "Article 5, Section 4.8 of the Edgecomb Land Use Ordinance."